Now
Find out how you can claim back around £2,400 per office from S.I.S Ltd.

1.
Who am I?

My name is Sean Lawless.
I have operated Licensed Betting Offices in the Dundalk and County Dublin
areas of Ireland since 1969. I was also on the Council of the Irish Independent
Betting Offices’ Association (I.I.B.O.A.) for many years, representing County
Louth.

2. What happened
to me?

In April 1994, S.I.S.
unilaterally, and I contend, unlawfully, incorporated the B.A.G.S. subscription
into the S.I.S. service fee. I wrote to S.I.S. requesting a breakdown of the
service fee but my request was simply ignored. In November 1994 I sent a cheque
to S.I.S. for the amount due less the disputed balance, which I agreed to
put on joint-deposit with them, until the matter was decided by their own
method of arbitration. On the 14th November 1994 S.I.S. cleared my cheque
for the undisputed amount, and the next day disconnected their service from
my premises. At no time have they provided me with a word of explanation for
their actions. As a consequence of their reckless and oppressive behaviour
I was put out of business, and I have remained so ever since. S.I.S. were,
and still are, a monopoly provider of a vital service to off-course bookmakers,
I also contend that their action in this matter constitutes an abuse of a
dominant position.

3. Why I need you
- How will you benefit?

Although I have a solid
case for fundamental breach of Contract against S.I.S., one can never be certain
about the outcome of any litigation. In the event that I were to lose the
case I would be faced with enormous costs. Even if I win the case I may not
be able to recover all of my costs to date, nor secure enough damages to fully
compensate me for my actual losses. However, if I could find a way of making
‘Common Cause’ with other Independent Bookmakers I may be able to insure myself
against the risks and uncertainties of litigation. As a consequence of the
alleged unilateral and unlawful change in the S.I.S./USER Contract imposed
by S.I.S. I estimate that Independent Bookmakers have been individually overcharged
£2,300+ Per Office (UK), £2,500+ Per Office (Eire) since 1994. I also contend
that S.I.S. have further overcharged Independent Bookmakers from 1987. If
I can win a judgement for breach of Contract against S.I.S. all other Independent
Bookmakers will be able to claim back the amounts by which they have individually
been overcharged. What I am seeking is an agreement with Independent Bookmakers
whereby I retain 20% of the amount I recover on their behalf (with their consent)
through my Litigation. I need your support through this agreement in order
to prosecute this case to trial in the High Court, and if need be in the Supreme
Court, with all its attendant costs and risks.

4. Why it will cost
you nothing!

I am not seeking financial
support of any kind to prosecute this case to trial in the High Court (or
if necessary the Supreme Court), but only for a percentage of what money I
recover for Independent Bookmakers in general. You will not be asked to contribute
any money whatsoever.

5. Are there any
risks to you?

When I receive your
authorisation to recover the amount that you have been over-charged, it will
be stored with all other consent orders in the safe, in the office of my Solicitor.
It will be his job to obtain the refund from S.I.S. and distribute it to those
concerned. No one will know that you have signed a consent order. Once judgement
has been obtained my Solicitor will apply for repayment on behalf of the signatories
to the agreement. This will eliminate the possibility that any individual
can be victimised in any way.

6. How will it work?

You and your fellow
Independent Bookmakers will send me your written consent to recover your money.
If the response is sufficient, I will then prosecute the case to trial and
obtain judgement. My Solicitor will then apply for refunds, which he will
then distribute to all those concerned